Willimantic police K-9 Sasa helped locate a man who broke into a local store early Friday morning

WILLIMANTIC — Sasa, a police dog, helped an officer arrest a man who broke into a store early Friday morning.

About 12:40 a.m., police said, Patrick Nye, 20, was observed throwing a rock through the front window of The Shoe Smith, 503 Main St., and entering the store.

Police said they ordered Nye to come out, but after multiple commands, the dog was sent into the building, police said.

Nye was arrested and charged with third-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools, second-degree breach of peace, first-degree criminal mischief and interfering with police. He was held, with bail set at $50,000.

"The police departments three K-9 teams do an outstanding job for this community," said Cpl. S. Francis Parizo Jr., the police department's spokesman. "Their professionalism and dedication to the city is unparalleled."

Willimantic Police

Willimantic police said K-9 unit Sasa caught Patrick Nye in the process of a burglary.

Willimantic police said K-9 unit Sasa caught Patrick Nye in the process of a burglary.